Australia-China Council Chair Appointment

Today I announce the appointment of the Hon Warwick Smith AM for asecond term as Chair of the Australia-China Council.

The Council was established by the Australian Government in 1978. Itcontinues to play a crucial role in promoting cross-cultural understanding andfostering people-to-people links in education, science, economic diplomacy andthe arts.

The Australia-China Council provides funding to projects designed toincrease understanding in China of Australian society and culture and enhanceAustralians' capacity to effectively engage with China.

Mr Smith brings extensive experience, networks and knowledge of China.Mr Smith is currently the Chairman, NSW and ACT, for the Australia & NewZealand Banking Group, and Chairman, Advisory Board of Australian CapitalEquity Pty Ltd. He also serves on a number of boards in Australia, Chinaand internationally including as a global trustee of the Asia Society.

Mr Smith was previously Executive Director at Macquarie Bank, Presidentof the Australia-China Business Council and Chairman of the Asia Society Australia.He also served as Minister for Sport, Territories and Local Government,Minister for Family Services, and as a Member of the Federal Parliament.

In 2008, Mr Smith was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia and aCentenary Medal.

Other Australia-China Council board members are Ms Anne-MarieSchwirtlich AM, Ms Margaret Jack, Ms Carolyn Kay, Professor Michael Wesley, MrDan Ryan and Mr Harold Weldon.